Two days later.
Alaric was in the council room with Arin and Ezekiel when the doors burst open.
Gideon rushed in, breathless. "Your Majesty. General. The princess' teacher has been found."
Arin turned sharply. "Bring him in."
Moments later, the doors opened again.
Orin walked in calmly, then bowed.
"Your Majesty. General."
"Master Orin," Arin said. "Thank you for coming."
The man lifted his head.
That was when Alaric noticed Ezekiel had gone completely still.
His face drained of colour, his eyes locked on the man in front of them like he was seeing a ghost.
Alaric frowned. "Ezekiel?"
Ezekiel took a step back. His lips parted, but no sound came out at first.
Then, barely above a whisper, he said, "You."
The room went cold.
Master Orin's expression didn't change, but his eyes sharpened slightly.
"What are you doing here?" Ezekiel demanded hoarsely.
Arin looked between them, confused. "Ezekiel?" He gestured to the man. "This is Master Orin. Daphne's teacher."
